Not that the cameras themselves are boring, just that Nikon didn't do much to separate the new models from the old. For example, the S9300 is the new flagship compact megazoom, but it's still basically 2011's S9100, but with built-in GPS and a resolution bump from 12 to 16 megapixels.

Nikon also updated three other cameras in its S series. The 10x ultracompact S6300 is essentially the S6200, but with a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which is good, but hopefully Nikon improved the autofocus some, too. Then there are the S4300 and S3300, two, 16-megapixel ultracompacts (CCD sensors) with 6x 26-156mm lenses. The difference is in their screens: the S4300 has a 3-inch 460K-dot-resolution touch-screen LCD, while the S330 has a 2.3-inch 230K-dot-resolution LCD.

The Coolpix S9300 will be available for $349.95 in black, red, and silver, while the Coolpix S6300 will be available for $199.95 in red, black, silver, and blue. The Coolpix S4300 will sell for $169.95 in plum, black, silver, white, and red, while the Coolpix S3300 will be available for $139.95 in silver, black, pink, purple, and red. All of them hit stores in February.

About the author

Joshua Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering cameras, camcorders, and related accessories. He has been writing about and reviewing consumer technology and software since 2000.
See full bio